In this episode, Séphora Giraud-Carrier shares her transformative journey from a frustrated teen in Lyon to a passionate advocate for women's health and an inspiring future scholar. Her story highlights resilience, faith, and the power of embracing life’s unexpected turns, offering valuable lessons for anyone navigating post-mission life and beyond.

Key Topics

• Growing up French in Utah: cultural identity and the impact of international moves
• The emotional challenges of moving to France as a teen and feeling out of place
• How confinement during COVID-19 brought her closer to family and deepened her faith
• The evolution of her desire to serve a mission, despite initial resistance
• Lessons learned from her mission about expectations, standards, and living authentically
• Her academic shift from pre-med aspirations to a focus on family health and global women’s studies
• Passion for empowering women through sexual health education and advocacy
• Applying her international experiences and faith to her future marriage and career
• Advice for returning missionaries: embracing authenticity and purpose in the next chapter
• Reflection to her 16-year-old self: accepting life’s unexpected detours as divine

Timestamp Highlights

(00:01) - Introducing Sephora’s journey from France to Hawaii and beyond

(01:20) - Growing up French in Utah and feeling caught between cultures

(02:48) - The emotional weight of moving to France as a teenager

(04:29) - Social challenges and cultural clashes in Lyon

(08:06) - How COVID-19 confinement strengthened family bonds and faith

(11:24) - The unexpected calling to serve a mission and reflections on independence

(14:42) - Lessons on expectations, standards, and communication with Heavenly Father

(19:32) - The overwhelming transition back to normal life and post-mission adjustments

(23:47) - Embracing life's messiness and applying gospel principles authentically

(24:33) - The academic shift from dreams of becoming an OBGYN to global women's health

(29:19) - Discovering her passion for sexual violence prevention and empowerment

(33:22) - How her international upbringing influences her future marriage and career

(36:35) - Advice to her 16-year-old self: embracing life's detours and divine timing

(38:32) - Words of wisdom for recent return missionaries: live authentically and actively

In this episode, we explore Isaac Hadley's inspiring journey of resilience, faith, and perseverance after returning from his mission. He shares heartfelt stories of challenges, the importance of relationships, and the power of following divine promptings to build a life full of purpose and joy. If you're navigating your own new chapter, Isaac's story offers real, vulnerable insights and motivation to keep moving forward.

Key topics:

• Isaac’s early life in Hawaii and decision to serve a mission
• The emotional reality of returning home and adjusting post-mission
• How mission experiences developed his people skills and resilience
• The faith-driven decision to start Cocoa Shrimp food truck
• Overcoming setbacks like engine failures and regulatory hurdles
• Establishing a family-centered business culture of trust and fairness
• The importance of following spiritual promptings for life's big decisions
• Living big: embracing struggles and finding joy in the journey
• Building partnerships in entrepreneurship with family
• The role of prayer, clarity, and divine guidance in decision-making
• Lessons learned about pride, pride in work, and enjoying the process

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: From mission to business success

01:14 - Isaac’s background and early family influences

02:39 - Returning home from Fresno mission; the struggle of reintegration

03:51 - Mission lessons that shaped his ability to connect with anyone

07:10 - How mission work prepared Isaac for customer service and leadership

09:42 - Spirit-led decisions: The story behind starting Cocoa Shrimp

11:10 - The impact of prayer and divine guidance on critical life choices

12:50 - Facing setbacks: Engine blowouts and industry challenges

18:23 - The importance of community, prayer, and divine help in adversity

19:53 - Living big culture: joy, struggle, and embracing life's challenges

28:24 - Maintaining fairness and honesty in family business relationships

29:30 - Living big: finding joy in the journey and struggles

33:04 - Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: go for it, enjoy the process

32:12 - Building a family partnership: working with brother-in-law Jordan

37:48 - The importance of following promptings and choosing joy

In this episode, Will Simmons shares his story of transitioning from a humble missionary in Chile to a successful entrepreneur and community builder. His experiences highlight the profound lessons learned through faith, service, and perseverance—lessons that continue to shape his life and his dedication to helping others. This episode is a call for return missionaries (and everyone) to embrace their ongoing journey with vulnerability, purpose, and a spirit of giving.

Key Topics:

• Will’s early roots in Texas and childhood experiences inspiring his values
• The journey to serving in the Santiago North Mission in Chile and lessons learned
• The transformative power of service and focusing on others during hard times
• How missionary work deepened his understanding of the love of God and self-worth
• The importance of asking questions and inviting others, both in missions and life
• Transitioning from mission life to academic success and embracing challenging environments like LSE and Harvard
• The value of humility, delegation, and doing the quiet work that nobody notices
• Mentorship and network building that have supported his career and personal growth
• The “Learn, Earn, and Give Back” philosophy rooted in service and purpose
• Practical advice for returning missionaries navigating life’s next chapters with faith and resilience

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Will Simmons’ inspiring journey

02:22 - Growing up in Houston and balancing faith with community involvement

05:52 - Decision-making moments about serving a mission and the role of bold invitations

08:46 - Lessons learned from serving in Chile, including joy through service and spiritual growth

09:42 - How missionary service deepens perspective on Christ and relationships

11:55 - Reflecting on the significance of the mission and God’s love for us

14:59 - Early days back home with Paige and the rapid pace of life post-mission

16:24 - Balancing school, love, and service: lessons from academic pursuits

19:04 - The rigorous experience at London School of Economics and the value of multicultural environments

21:00 - Pursuing an MBA at Harvard and lessons on leadership and humility

23:39 - Transitioning to the energy industry and navigating economic cycles

25:12 - Gaining real-world experience through government and private sector roles

27:52 - Lessons about the importance of mentorship and giving without expectation

30:25 - The impact of small acts — treating everyone with love and respect

33:15 - Words of encouragement to new return missionaries and embracing hardships with faith

34:50 - Trusting in God's plan for your next chapters and moving forward with purpose